LAS ANOD, Somalia – Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, arrived Wednesday morning in the northern town of Las Anod, where he was welcomed by senior officials from the self-declared SSC-Khatumo administration.
The visit marks a significant step toward completing the formal establishment of the SSC-Khatumo regional state, which seeks recognition under Somalia’s federal system.
Hosh is expected to hold talks with local authorities, traditional elders, and civil society representatives in an effort to finalize the state formation process. The move comes amid ongoing efforts by the federal government to extend its authority across Somalia and promote reconciliation in historically contested regions.
“This visit reflects the federal government’s commitment to listening to the voices of the people of SSC-Khatumo and supporting their integration into the federal system,” one regional official told Radio Shabelle.
SSC-Khatumo, which claims territory in the Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions, has been working to build local administrative structures following recent clashes with Somaliland forces. The area has seen a fragile calm in recent months, and federal involvement is seen as crucial to sustaining stability.
The minister’s visit is part of a broader push by Mogadishu to resolve regional grievances and strengthen federalism as Somalia prepares for key institutional reforms and a potential constitutional review.
